10
June
2013
The NUT and NASUWT have announced that they intend to have a programme of strike action as part of their campaign against government proposals on teachers’ pay. This action is likely to affect 20,000 schools across England and Wales, the first action will take place in the North West on the 27th June.
GMB Trade Union respects the rights of other trade unions to take industrial action. GMB Trade Union members in schools have not been balloted to take part in any form of industrial action and therefore they are advised to continue with their normal duties and responsibilities.
However GMB members should not take on any additional responsibilities being given to them directly as a result of the teacher’s industrial action.
School support staff should not be expected to provide cover for or take classes, where this would normally be done by teachers who are taking part in the action. In particular Higher Level Teaching Assistants or cover supervisors should only take classes or provide cover where they are contracted to do so, it is timetabled or part of their normal duties. Staff should not be moved from their duties they would normally carry out in order to frustrate the industrial action of colleagues.
GMB members who come under pressure to cover should contact their GMB Trade Union rep, branch or region for further advice and support.
